Cynthia Lord, an accomplished American author, specializes in captivating middle grade audiences with her work. Focused on themes of social awareness and inclusivity, Lord exhibits a keen sensitivity in addressing her young readers. Informed by her background in education and psychology, she tackles complex themes through authentic, empathetic narratives that resonate with young readers. Lord’s sensitivity and personal experiences shine through in her work, creating relatable characters and narratives that address complex themes in an accessible way for her audience.

In 2006, Lord’s debut novel, Rules, marked her ascent as a rising star in children’s literature. This novel, set against the backdrop of a small town in Maine, earned both the Newbery Honor designation and the Schneider Family Book Award, acknowledging its outstanding contribution to children’s literature.

Set against the backdrop of a small town in Maine, where the author herself lives, Lord’s fourth novel, A Handful of Stars (2015), follows the story of the unlikely friendship between Lily—a young local girl—and Salma, whose family joins the community for the seasonal blueberry harvest. The narrative explores the complexities of friendship, prejudice, and the transformative power of genuine connection. This award-winning story, acclaimed for its nuanced portrayal of migrant life and its heartwarming message, has garnered awards like the Massachusetts Children’s Book Award and the Arizona Grand Canyon Young Readers Award.